Adjustable hot tub cover lifter

ABSTRACT

A hot tub cover lifter comprises a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover. The lifter arm is pivotally connected to at least one bracket, and the bracket is anchored to the hot tub. The lifter arm comprises a plurality of telescoping segments, and at least two adjacent segments are adjustably connected by a compression fitting. The hot tub cover lifter can be manually assembled and adjusted to fit a hot tub of any size, and without the need for tools.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/118,851, filed Dec. 1, 2008, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to generally to hot tubs and particularly to a lifting device for a hot tub cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hot tubs, also referred to as “spas”, are typically covered by a removable cover when not in use to prevent the loss of heat to the surrounding environment, and also to maintain the cleanliness of the water contained within by preventing entry of unwanted foreign items such as dust, leaves, or other debris. Hot tub covers are typically formed of a rigid, insulating material, and are often divided into two halves connected by a seam of flexible material so as to form a foldable cover. This foldability allows a user to more easily maneuver the cover onto and off of the hot tub. However, as such covers can be heavy, and therefore lifter devices have been developed to facilitate the handling of the removable hot tub cover.

Several known hot tub cover lifters comprise a hinged crossbar that is mounted to the outside walls of the hot tub, and which is secured to the hot tub cover over which it extends. The bar is usually pivotally connected to its point of support of the hot tub, which allows the user to swing the folding cover off of the hot tub for storage at the side or the back of the hot tub. Such hot tub cover lifters have been disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,297, U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,196, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0079434.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,297 to Cunerty discloses a hot tub cover lifter that comprises a lifting frame pivotally connected to the sides of a hot tub by an extendible mount. This lifting frame is also secured to the hot tub cover. The mount is adjustable, and allows the position of the lifting frame to be extended relative to its mounting point on the sides of the hot tub.

Some notable drawbacks of these and other known hot tub cover lifters are that they require the use of tools for their assembly and their installation on the hot tub. Some hot tub cover lifters also require the lifter arm to be fastened to at least the cover itself and, in most cases, to the outer walls of the hot tub, and both such fastening operations typically require the use of tools. Additionally, some hot tub cover lifter designs are not adjustable, and therefore are limited to use with hot tub of only a single size and shape. Therefore, there exists a need for an adjustable hot tub cover lifter which can be readily assembled by a user without using tools, which can lift the hot tub cover without being secured to it, and which is adjustable such that it can be fitted to a hot tub of any size and shape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The hot tub cover lifter of the present invention comprises a lifter arm having a plurality of telescoping segments connected by compression fittings, and is assembled without the use of tools. The compression fittings are adjustable and are tightenable by hand, allowing the dimensions of the lifter arm to be adjusted to fit a hot tub of any size and shape. Additionally, the lifter arm is not required to be secured to the hot tub cover to be operable in removing the cover. The lifter arm is pivotally connected to bracket plates that slide under the hot tub and are held there under its weight, allowing the hot tub lifter to be fully assembled and installed without the need for tools.

Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided a hot tub cover lifter comprising: a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the lifter arm pivotally connected to at least one bracket, the bracket configured for being anchored to a hot tub, the lifter arm comprising a plurality of telescoping segments, at least two adjacent segments being adjustably connected by a compression fitting.

In another aspect, there is provided a hot tub cover lifter arm comprising: a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the lifter arm configured for pivotally connecting to at least one bracket, the lifter arm comprising a plurality of telescoping segments, at least two adjacent segments being adjustably connected by a compression fitting.

In still another aspect, there is provided an assembly kit for a hot tub cover lifter comprising: a bracket configured for being anchored to a hot tub; a plurality of segments, at least one segment being configured to be pivotally connected the bracket, at least two segments being adjacently and telescopically connectable for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the at least two segments being adjustably connectable by a compression fitting; and at least one compression fitting.

In another aspect, there is provided an assembly kit for a hot tub cover lifter arm comprising: a plurality of segments, at least one segment being configured for being pivotally connected to a bracket, at least two segments being adjacently and telescopically connectable for forming a lifter arm supporting a folded hot tub cover, the at least two segments being adjustably connectable by a compression fitting; and at least one compression fitting.

In still another aspect, there is provided a hot tub cover lifter comprising: a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the lifter arm being pivotally connected to at least one bracket, the bracket configured for being anchored to a hot tub, the lifter arm comprising a plurality of telescoping segments, at least two adjacent segments being adjustably connected by an adjustable connector.

In another aspect, there is provided a hot tub cover lifter arm comprising: a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the lifter arm configured for being pivotally connected to at least one bracket, the lifter arm comprising a plurality of telescoping segments, at least two adjacent segments being adjustably connected by an adjustable connector.

In still another aspect, there is provided an assembly kit for a hot tub cover lifter comprising: a bracket configured for being anchored to a hot tub; a plurality of segments, at least one segment being configured to be pivotally connected the bracket, at least two segments being adjacently and telescopically connectable for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the at least two segments being adjustably connectable by an adjustable connector; and at least one adjustable connector.

In another aspect, there is provided an assembly kit for a hot tub cover lifter arm comprising: a plurality of segments, at least one segment being configured for being pivotally connected to a bracket, at least two segments being adjacently and telescopically connectable for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the at least two segments being adjustably connectable an adjustable connector; and at least one adjustable connector.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a hot tub cover lifter comprising: a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the lifter arm being pivotally connected to at least one bracket, the bracket configured for being anchored to a hot tub, the lifter arm comprising a plurality of telescoping segments, at least two adjacent segments being adjustably connected by an adjustable connector.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a hot tub cover lifter arm comprising: a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the lifter arm configured for being pivotally connected to at least one bracket, the lifter arm comprising a plurality of telescoping segments, at least two adjacent segments being adjustably connected by an adjustable connector.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly kit for a hot tub cover lifter arm comprising: a plurality of segments, at least one segment being configured for being pivotally connected to a bracket, at least two segments being adjacently and telescopically connectable for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the at least two segments being adjustably connectable an adjustable connector; and at least one adjustable connector.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples while indicating embodiments of the invention are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from said detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hot tub cover lifter of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the hot tub cover lifter of FIG. 1 showing a hot tub cover removed by the hot tub cover lifter;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a compression fitting for use with the hot tub cover lifter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the compression fitting for use with the hot tub cover lifter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is cross-sectional side-elevation view of the compression fitting for use with the hot tub cover lifter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of brackets for use with the hot tub cover lifter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hot tub cover lifter of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of brackets for use with the hot tub cover lifter of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hot tub cover lifter of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a hot tub cover lifter of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a hot tub cover lifter of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a hot tub cover lifter that is quickly and easily assembled onto a variety of hot tubs. Tools for assembly and sizes and types of installation are not required.

FIG. 1 shows a hot tub cover lifter 20 of the present invention. Hot tub cover lifter 20 serves to lift hot tub cover 24 off of hot tub 22 prior to use, and to lift hot tub cover 24 back onto hot tub 22 following use. Cover lifter 20 comprises a lifter arm 26 that has a generally “U-shaped” profile, and which has two ends that are each pivotally connected to a bracket 28 positioned along sides of the base of hot tub 22. Cover lifter 20 enables a user to remove hot tub cover 24 from hot tub 22 by folding cover 24 over lifter arm 26, and then swinging both lifter arm 26 and hot tub cover 24 in a folded state together off of hot tub 22, for storage at its side, as shown in FIG. 2.

Cover lifter 20 comprises a lifter arm 26 that has a generally “U-shaped profile” and comprises a number of segments. In the embodiment shown, lifter arm 26 comprises a horizontal segment 30, two corner segments 32, and two bracket segments 34. Segments 30, 32, and 34 are adjustably connected to each other by compression fittings 40, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. Each compression fitting 40 can be readily loosened and tightened as needed, allowing segments 30, 32, and 34 to be telescopically adjusted relative to each other. This telescoping adjustability allows the dimensions of lifter arm 26 to be varied, permitting hot tub cover lifter 20 to be fitted to a hot tub 22 of any size and shape. Additionally, as each compression fitting 40 can be easily loosened and tightened by hand, as is further described below, the use of compression fittings 40 allows hot tub cover lifter 20 to be manually assembled, and also allows the dimensions of lifter arm 26 to be manually adjusted, as needed, without the use of tools.

The components of compression fitting 40 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. Compression fitting 40 is used to adjustably connect two adjacent segments of lifter arm 26 and, in FIGS. 4 and 5, compression fitting 40 is shown connecting segments 30 and 32. Compression fitting 40 comprises a compression nut 42 and a compression ring 44 seated within. Compression nut 42 has a hollow and cylindrical structure, and has a flanged aperture 46 at one end and internal threads 48 extending towards its other end. Internal threads 48 engage matching outer threads 50 on an outer surface at one end of segment 30, and thereby enable compression nut 42 to be screwed onto an end of segment 30. Seated inside compression nut 42 is a compression ring 44. Compression ring 44 has a hollow structure and is made of a durable and resilient material, such as a polymer. Compression ring 44 has a longitudinal gap 52 cut along its length, which enables compression ring 44 to flex in a circumferential direction when compressed. As may be appreciated, the width of longitudinal gap 52 defines the range of circumferential motion over which compression ring 44 is compressed. In turn, the width of longitudinal gap 52 also defines a corresponding reduction in inner diameter when compression ring 44 can be compressed. This compressive force is experienced by compression ring 44 when surrounding compression nut 42 is screwed onto segment 30, as will be further described below.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of compression fitting 40 connecting segments 30 and 32, and showing compression fitting 40 in a tightened state. An end of segment 32 has been inserted through flanged aperture 46 of compression nut 42 and through compression ring 44 (while it was in an uncompressed state) and into the interior of segment 30. Compression fitting 40 has then been manually tightened by screwing compression nut 42 onto segment 30, so as to engage internal threads 48 with outer threads 50 of segment 30. Near the end of travel of compression nut 42 over segment 30, angled surface 54 on the interior surface of flanged aperture 46 of compression nut 42 comes into flush contact with the surface of taper 56 of compression ring 44, pressing compression ring 44 against beveled opening 58 of segment 30. This compressive force applied to compression ring 44 forces longitudinal gap 52 to close, thereby causing compression ring 44 to tighten around segment 32 and securely grip it in this position. This secure grip is achieved through manual pressure alone, and in the absence of any tools.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of brackets 28. Each bracket 28 comprises a bracket housing 62 having an open top in which an end of segment 34 can be received. Bracket housing 62 comprises apertures that receive a hinge pin 64 which passes through a pair of suitably-sized apertures (not shown) near the end of segment 34. Segment 34 freely rotates around hinge pin 64, and hinge pin 64 defines an axis of pivot of segment 34 and therefore of lifter arm 26. Hinge pin 64 has a flanged head 65 at one end, and is secured within bracket housing 62 at its other end by clip 66 and, in the embodiment shown, clip 66 is a hairpin style clip. Bracket 28 also comprises a footplate 68 extending from a base of bracket housing 62. Footplate 68 has a large flat area, and is inserted under the base of hot tub 22 so as to enable bracket 28 to be held in place under the weight of hot tub 22, and to be thereby anchored to hot tub 22. In this manner, once lifter arm 26 has been pivotally secured to brackets 28 that have been anchored to hot tub 22, lifter arm 26 is thereby anchored to hot tub 22. Importantly, it may be appreciated that both the relative positioning and the anchoring of brackets 28 to hot tub 22, and the securing of segments 34 (and therefore lifter arm 26) to brackets 28, are manual operations that again do not require the use of any tools.

In use, hot tub cover lifter 20 is used with a hot tub 22 fitted with a hot tub cover 24 by manually assembling hot tub cover lifter 20 to adjustable dimensions selected to be commensurate with hot tub 22. Hot tub cover lifter 20 can be assembled from a dissembled state, such as from a kit of constituent parts, or a from kit of partially-assembled parts. First, two brackets 28 are secured to hot tub 22 by manually sliding footplates 68 underneath hot tub 22, such that brackets 28 are secured under the weight of hot tub 22, and are thereby anchored to hot tub 22. Two segments 34 are then pivotally fastened to brackets 28 by passing hinge pin 64 through corresponding apertures at the end of each segment 34, and then securing hinge pin 64 to bracket 28 using clip 66. A segment 32 is then secured to each of the two segments 34 using compression fitting 40. More specifically, an end of segment 32 is passed through both flanged aperture 46 of compression nut 42 and through compression ring 44 (while in an uncompressed state) into the interior of segment 34. The depth to which segment 32 is inserted into segment 34 is variable and is selected by the user, and will establish the height of lifting arm 26 relative to the top of both hot tub 22 and hot tub cover 24. With segment 32 positioned within segment 30 as desired, compression fitting 40 is then manually tightened by screwing compression nut 42 onto segment 34, engaging internal threads 48 of compression nut 42 with outer threads 50 of segment 34. Near the end of travel of compression nut 42 on segment 34, angled surface 54 of compression nut 42 will come into contact with the surface of taper 56 and apply a compressive force to compression ring 44 against beveled surface 58 of segment 34, forcing compression ring 44 to close around segment 32 and grip it securely. This compression results in the closing of longitudinal gap 52 of compression ring 44, involving a reduction in its internal diameter. Segment 30 is then connected to each of the two segments 32 in a similar way using two compression fittings 40, with one compression fitting 40 being used at each end of segment 30. Once the segments 30, 32, and 34 have been connected together so as to form lifter arm 26 pivotally connected to brackets 28, hot tub cover lifter 20 has been assembled. At this point, the dimensions of the assembled hot tub cover lifter 20 can be adjusted to better fit the size of hot tub 22, as desired. This adjustment could involve a) varying the dimensions of lifter arm 26, by loosening one or more compression fittings 40, extending or retracting segments 30, 32, and 34 telescopically relative to each other, and then re-tightening fittings so as to ensure that segments 30, 32, and 34 are secure, and/or b) the repositioning of brackets 28 relative to hot tub 22, which would involve shifting the positions of brackets 28 along either of base sides 70 of hot tub 22, in order to better position lifter arm 26 relative to cover 24. For example, for a given position of brackets 28, the height of lifter arm 26 may be adjusted in order to position segment 30 closer to seam 74 of hot tub cover 24 in order to facilitate the operation of hot tub cover lifter 20, which is described below. In this particular example, this adjustment would involve manually loosening compression fittings 40 between segments 32 and 34, telescopically extending segments 32 from segments 34 to a desired position, and then manually re-tightening compression fittings 40 that were previously loosened to thereby secure segments 32 in their new positions relative to segments 34. Once the dimensions of lifter arm 26 and the positions of brackets 28 have been adjusted accordingly and as required, the end of the “assembly” phase of hot tub cover lifter 20 has been reached. It may be appreciated that this assembly is done entirely manually, and does not rely on the use of any tools. It may also be appreciated that, once in this assembled state, the dimensions of hot tub cover lifter 20 can be later adjusted, as desired, manually and without the use of tools, to improve or “fine tune” the range of movement of hot tub cover lifter 20 as needed. Similarly, hot tub cover lifter can be readily disassembled at a later time, as needed, manually and without the use of tools,.

In use, once hot tub cover lifter 20 has been assembled, a user removes cover 24 from hot tub 22 by first folding first half-cover 80 over lifter arm 26. First half cover 80 is connected to second half-cover 82 by a strip of connecting material 81 (not shown) positioned along the underside of seam 74 of cover 24. Lifter arm 26, together with cover 24 folded around it, is then swung in a direction towards rear wall 78 of hot tub 22. This swinging motion involves lifter arm 26 pivoting around hinge pin 64 in each of brackets 28, resulting in folded cover 24 being lifted off of hot tub 22 for storage in this folded state and in a vertical configuration alongside rear wall 78, where it is stowed while hot tub 22 is in use. This stowed configuration is depicted in FIG. 2. To place cover 24 on hot tub 22 after use, a user raises lifter arm 26, lifting cover 24 in its folded state onto hot tub 22 so as to cover only half of hot tub 24 by half-cover 82. Half-cover 80 is then unfolded around and over lifter arm 26 so as to fully cover hot tub 22.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a hot tub cover lifter, generally indicated by reference numeral 120. Cover lifter 120 is secured to a hot tub 122, and serves to lift hot tub cover 124 from the top of hot tub 122 before use, and to lift hot tub cover 124 back onto hot tub 122 after use. Cover lifter 120 comprises a lifter arm 126 that has a generally “U-shaped” profile, and which has two ends that are each pivotally connected to a side bracket 128 secured to either side of hot tub 122. Cover lifter 120 enables a user to remove hot tub cover 124 from hot tub 122 by folding cover 124 over lifter arm 126, and then swinging lifter arm 126 and hot tub cover 124 in a folded state off of hot tub 122, for storage at its side.

Cover lifter 120 comprises a lifter arm 126 having a generally “U-shaped profile” and comprising a number of segments. In the embodiment shown, lifter arm 126 comprises a horizontal segment 130, two corner segments 132, and two bracket segments 134. Segments 130, 132, and 134 are adjustably connected to each other by compression fittings 140. Each compression fitting 140 can be readily loosened and tightened by hand to enable segments 130, 132, and 134 to be telescopically adjusted relative to each other as required. This telescoping adjustability allows the dimensions of lifter arm 126 to be varied so as to enable cover lifter 120 to be fitted to a hot tub 122 of any size. Additionally, as each compression fitting 140 can be easily loosened and tightened by hand, use of compression fittings 140 allows both hot tub cover lifter 120 to be manually assembled, and the dimensions of lifter arm 126 to be adjusted as needed, manually and without the use of tools.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of bracket 128. Bracket 128 comprises a bracket plate 184 that is configured to be mounted to a wall of hot tub 122. Bracket plate 184 comprises a channel 186 that is sized and shaped to receive one end of bracket arm 188. In the embodiment shown, bracket arm 188 has a square-shaped cross section, and is received within similarly square-shaped channel 186. Bracket plate has a plurality of apertures 190 that can each accommodate a fastener, such as a screw, allowing bracket plate 184 to be secured to a wall of hot tub 122. Bracket arm 188 is in turn connected to an “L-shaped” bracket member 192, which supports bracket segment 134 by hinge pin 164. It may be appreciated that hinge pin 164 defines an axis of pivot, around which bracket segment 134, and therefore lifter arm 126, is free to pivot. Bracket member 192 has a plurality of apertures 190 that enable it to be fastened to bracket arm 188 by fasteners, such as screws. As bracket arm 188 and bracket member 192 are fastened, they can be moved in unison horizontally within receptacle 186 of bracket plate 184, allowing the position of bracket arm 126 to be adjusted laterally relative to hot tub 122. In the embodiment shown, bracket arm 188 is not fastened to bracket plate 184, and is therefore able to move freely as required for the purposes of this adjustment. The dimensions of bracket arm 126 can also be adjusted manually using compression fittings 140, and in a similar fashion to the description provided above for the adjustment of the dimensions of lifter arm 26 of hot tub cover lifter 20, using compression fittings 40 as depicted in FIGS. 1 to 6.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a hot tub cover lifter, generally indicated by reference numeral 220. Cover lifter 220 is anchored to a hot tub 222, and serves to lift hot tub cover 224 from the top of hot tub 222 before use, and to lift hot tub cover 224 back onto hot tub 222 after use. Cover lifter 220 comprises a lifter arm 226 that has a generally “L-shaped” profile, and which has only one end that is pivotally connected to a bracket 228 anchored hot tub 222 underneath its side 270. Cover lifter 220 enables a user to remove hot tub cover 224 from hot tub 222 by folding cover 224 over lifter arm 226, and then swinging lifter arm 226 and hot tub cover 224 in a folded state off of hot tub 222, for storage at its side.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a hot tub cover lifter, generally indicated by reference numeral 320. Cover lifter 320 is anchored under a hot tub 322, and serves to lift hot tub cover 324 from the top of hot tub 322 before use, and to lift hot tub cover 324 back onto hot tub 322 after use. Cover lifter 320 comprises a lifter arm 326 that has a generally “U-shaped” profile, and which has two ends that are each pivotally connected to brackets 328 anchored under opposite sides of hot tub 322. Lifter arm 326 comprises a loop-shaped handle 394 fastened thereto. Handle 394 allows lifter arm 326 to be more easily grasped by a user, and thereby facilitates operation of cover lifter 320, for example, under wet conditions, such as when the hands of a user are wet immediately after use of hot tub 322, or in the rain. Cover lifter 320 enables a user to remove hot tub cover 324 from hot tub 322 by folding cover 324 over lifter arm 326, and then gripping handle 394 to swing lifter arm 326 and hot tub cover 324 in a folded state off of hot tub 322, for storage at its side. While handle 394 is shown fastened to segment 332 in the present embodiment, handle 332 may be fastened to any portion of lifter arm 326.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a hot tub cover lifter, generally indicated by reference numeral 420. Cover lifter 420 is anchored under a hot tub 422, and serves to lift hot tub cover 424 from the top of hot tub 422 before use, and to lift hot tub cover 424 back onto hot tub 422 after use. Cover lifter 420 comprises a lifter arm 426 that has a generally “U-shaped” profile, and which has two ends that are each pivotally connected to brackets 428 anchored under opposite sides of hot tub 422. Lifter arm 426 comprises a gripping sleeve 496 fabricated of a non-slip material, such as compressible foam, fastened thereto. Gripping sleeve 496 allows lifter arm 426 to be more easily grasped by a user, and thereby facilitates operation of cover lifter 420, for example, under wet conditions, such as when the hands of a user are wet immediately after use of hot tub 422, or in the rain. Cover lifter 420 enables a user to remove hot tub cover 424 from hot tub 422 by folding cover 424 over lifter arm 426, and then grasping the gripping sleeve 496 to swing lifter arm 426 and hot tub cover 424 in a folded state off of hot tub 422, for storage at its side. While gripping sleeve 496 is shown fastened to segment 432 in the present embodiment, gripping sleeve 496 may be fastened to any portion of lifter arm 426.

The hot tub cover lifter of the embodiments described above, and its constituent parts, may be made from any materials known in the art such as, for example, but not limited to, metals and metal alloys, polymeric materials, plastics, and natural structural materials, such as, for example, but not limited to, wood and bamboo.

While the above embodiments are directed to a lifter arm for a hot tub cover lifter having telescoping segments adjustably connected by compression fittings, the telescoping segments may be adjustably connected by any adjustable connector such as, but not limited to, compression fittings, ratchet straps, connectors made of hook and loop material, manually-tightenable screws, butterfly nuts, wing-headed fasteners, and/or any conventional fastener such as screws, bolts, nuts, and/or any other adjustable connector known in the art.

While the embodiments described above are directed to bracket segments and horizontal segments having outer threads for engaging a compression nut, any of the segments may have outer threads for engaging a compression nut.

While the embodiments described above are directed to corner segments having smaller diameters than the non-corner segments for enabling telescoping movement relative to adjacent segments, any of the segments may be smaller so as to enable telescoping movement relative to its adjacent segments.

While the embodiments described above are directed to a lifter for the cover of a hot tub, it may be appreciated that the lifter may be used to lift the cover of any form of vessel or structure containing water, such as, but not limited to, hot tubs, spas, whirlpools, Jacuzzis, bath tubs, swimming pools, bathing pools, “kiddie” or baby pools, ponds, aquariums, and the like.

While the embodiments described above are directed to a compression fitting having a compression ring made of a polymeric material, in one embodiment, the compression ring is made of a metal or a metal alloy.

While the embodiments described above are directed towards a lifter arm that is “U-shaped” and is pivotally connected at both ends to brackets, in one embodiment, the lifter arm may be “L-shaped” and pivotally connected at only one end to a bracket.

While the embodiments described above are directed towards a lifter arm comprising 5 segments, namely a horizontal segment, two corner segments, and two bracket segments, in one embodiment, the lifter arm may comprise any number of segments.

While the embodiments described above are directed towards a lifter arm comprising five telescoping segments connected by four compression fittings, in one embodiment, the lifter arm may comprise five segments connected by fewer than four compression fittings. Similarly, while the embodiments described above are generally directed towards a lifter arm comprising (n) segments connected by (n−1) compression fittings, in one embodiment, the lifter arm may comprise (n) segments connected by (m) compression fittings, where (n) and (m) are any positive integers, and (n−m)≧1.

While the embodiments described above are directed to hot tub cover lifter, the product may be sold or manufactured in any form, including as a hot tub cover lifter assembly, as a hot tub cover lifter arm, as a bracket for a hot tub cover lifter arm, as an assembly kit for a hot tub cover lifter, or as an assembly kit for a hot tub cover lifter arm.

While the embodiments described above are directed to a hot tub cover lifter having gripper, namely a handle or a gripping sleeve, in one embodiment, the gripper may be any grippable feature known in the art such as, but not limited to: a length of cord, chain, rope, fabric or other material; a loop of cord, chain, rope, fabric or other material; a ring of cord, chain, rope, fabric, metal, or other material; or any combination of these.

While the embodiments described above are directed to a hot tub cover lifter that is lifts a hot tub cover onto and off of a hot tub by manual power alone, in one embodiment the hot tub cover lifter may be motorized.

Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A hot tub cover lifter comprising: a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the lifter arm being pivotally connected to at least one bracket, the bracket configured for being anchored to a hot tub, the lifter arm comprising a plurality of telescoping segments, at least two adjacent segments being adjustably connected by an adjustable connector.
 2. A hot tub cover lifter according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable connector is a compression fitting.
 3. A hot tub cover lifter according to claim 1, wherein the segments comprise a horizontal segment and at least one bracket segment.
 4. A hot tub cover lifter according to claim 3, wherein the segments further comprise at least one corner segment.
 5. A hot tub cover lifter arm comprising: a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the lifter arm configured for being pivotally connected to at least one bracket, the lifter arm comprising a plurality of telescoping segments, at least two adjacent segments being adjustably connected by an adjustable connector.
 6. A hot tub cover lifter according to claim 5, wherein the adjustable connector is a compression fitting.
 7. A hot tub cover lifter according to claim 5, further comprising at least one bracket.
 8. A hot tub cover lifter according to claim 5, wherein the segments comprise a horizontal segment and at least one bracket segment.
 9. A hot tub cover lifter according to claim 8, wherein the segments further comprise at least one corner segment.
 10. An assembly kit for a hot tub cover lifter arm comprising: a plurality of segments, at least one segment being configured for being pivotally connected to a bracket, at least two segments being adjacently and telescopically connectable for supporting a folded hot tub cover, the at least two segments being adjustably connectable an adjustable connector; and at least one adjustable connector.
 11. An assembly kit according to claim 10, wherein the adjustable connector is a compression fitting.
 12. An assembly kit according to claim 10, further comprising at least one bracket.
 13. An assembly kit according to claim 10, wherein the segments comprise a horizontal segment and at least one bracket segment.
 14. An assembly kit according to claim 13, wherein the segments further comprise at least one corner segment. 